MANILA, Philippines " The Foreign Ministry has announced that it has turned down Chinas proposal to kickstart bilateral talks on their South China Sea dispute, due to Beijings pre-conditions of not discussing the tribunals ruling that reversed its claims.

According to reports, China released a statement saying the Philippines Perfecto Yasay and his counterpart Wang Yi had informal contact in Mongolia during the meeting of Asian and European leaders.

Yasay told Yi that Chinas condition was not consistent with our constitution and our national interest, and added that he would not disregard the tribunals ruling, which was pitched in their favour.

He said Wang clarified that he should not even make any comments on the ruling, as China downplayed it on the grounds that the tribunal had no jurisdiction.

Wang countered that, saying if the Philippines continued to stress on Chinas compliance, we might be headed for a confrontation.

Yasay, however, said, I really honestly feel that this is something they have to make on a public basis but I also sensed there was room for us to talk very quietly using backdoor channeling.

He added that he was open to other options in the future, in order to tide over the dispute, continuing that We want to see some kind of assurance and commitment that our fishermen - for instance on Scarborough Shoal - would be allowed access. I brought this up.

Chinas recollection of Wangs remarks was rather different and conciliatory, and emphasised that Promoting a return to dialogue in China-Philippine relations is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people.

Meanwhile, reports state that Chinese state media issued a report claiming that 70 countries were in support of Chinas decision to reject the tribunals ruling and resolve disputes through negotiations and not arbitration. In contrast, just several countries, mainly the United States and its close allies, have publicly supported the Philippines and called for observing the ruling as legally binding.

Chinas claims have been reported as delusional, as only eight countries have publicly proclaimed support, while 45 have either remained silent, or released vague statements.

Beijing has also announced that it plans to deploy a combat air patrol with long range bombers in the South China Sea as a regular practice.

The Chinese military said, The PLA Air Force will firmly defend national sovereignty, security and maritime interests, safeguard regional peace and stability, and cope with various threats and challenges.